If you are planning a trip to Cat Ba, the island's coastline is where most travelers fall in love with the place. From lively town beaches to hidden pools tucked between limestone cliffs, Cat Ba packs an impressive variety of shorelines into one small island. This guide to the best beaches in Cat Ba walks through every option, from the easiest to reach to the coves only a boat can find.
The beaches fall into two broad groups. Near Cat Ba town you have the Cat Co beaches and Tung Thu, all reachable by road in minutes. Out in the bay you have the hidden swimming spots that need a boat. Knowing the difference upfront makes it much easier to plan a day around the tide, the crowds and the kind of trip you want.
Cat Co beaches 1, 2 and 3 near Cat Ba town
The three Cat Co beaches sit just minutes from Cat Ba town center, and each one has its own personality. Cat Co 1 is the most popular and vibrant, with plenty of energy and locals swimming alongside visitors throughout the day.
Cat Co 2 sits right next door but feels calmer, with a quieter, more intimate vibe that suits travelers who want to relax without the crowds. Cat Co 3 rounds out the trio with modern facilities and a stunning coastal path, making it a comfortable choice for families.
Getting between them is easy. Electric cars run along the short route from town for around 10,000 to 15,000 VND per trip, so you can beach-hop across all three in a single afternoon without much planning. Because they are so close together, the Cat Co beaches are the natural choice if you only have a few hours and want to stay near town.
Tung Thu beach on the edge of Cat Ba island
For a quieter stretch of sand, Tung Thu Beach is one of the most beautiful spots on the island. The soft white sand and crystal-clear water make it a favorite for families with young children, since the waves here stay very gentle.
Couples looking for a peaceful sunset picnic tend to gravitate here too. There are fewer facilities than at Cat Co, which is exactly the appeal — it still feels like a local secret rather than a tourist stop.
Because Tung Thu is a little further from the town center than the Cat Co beaches, it rewards travelers who are willing to travel a few extra minutes for calmer water and thinner crowds. It pairs well with a slow morning or a late-afternoon visit timed for sunset.
Lan Ha Bay hidden swimming spots Three Peaches and Van Boi
Some of Cat Ba's best water is only reachable by boat, tucked inside Lan Ha Bay. Three Peaches Island, known locally as Ba Trai Dao, is a cluster of three tiny islands that form a natural, wind-sheltered swimming pool. The water here is transparent enough to spot coral reefs below, though visibility depends on the tide.
Van Boi Beach sits at the base of a limestone rock formation and is a popular stop for kayaking across turquoise water. Both spots keep an untouched, rustic charm that is hard to find on the mainland beaches, which is why they stay firmly on the list of hidden gems.
The easiest way to reach either is through a Lan Ha Bay tour, which bundles transport, swimming stops and kayaking into one day on the water. Going with a boat also means you can chase the tide and reach coves that are simply off-limits if you stay on the island.
Nam Cat and Tu Do islands for back to nature stays
For travelers who want to disconnect completely, Nam Cat and Tu Do islands offer simple wooden bungalows and very little urban noise. These are the spots to pick if your idea of a beach day is a hammock, the sound of water, and nothing else on the schedule.
Staying out on one of these islands turns the beach from a day trip into the whole point of the visit. It suits couples and slow travelers more than anyone chasing nightlife, and it is the closest thing on Cat Ba to having a quiet shoreline to yourself.
Beka Travel tips for choosing your Cat Ba beach
There isn't one single best beach on Cat Ba — it depends on timing and mood. Cat Co 1 suits mornings when the energy is high, while Tung Thu is magical at sunset when the crowds thin out.
For town beaches, electric cars are the easiest way to get around and let you sample two or three in an afternoon. For the hidden coves inside Lan Ha Bay, a boat tour is worth it for the cost savings, the safety and the access you simply cannot get on your own.
A simple way to plan is to match the beach to your day. Short on time and staying near town, choose the Cat Co beaches. Want calm water for kids or a sunset, head to Tung Thu. Have a full day and want the clearest water, book a boat to Three Peaches and Van Boi.
Whichever beach you choose, please help keep it beautiful — practice leave-no-trace principles and take your rubbish with you so the next traveler finds the same untouched coves.
FAQ about Cat Ba's best beaches
Which Cat Ba beach is best for swimming?
Cat Co 1 is the most popular choice for swimming, with a lively atmosphere and easy access from Cat Ba town.
Which beach on Cat Ba is quietest?
Cat Co 2 offers a quieter, more intimate setting right next to the busier Cat Co 1, while Tung Thu Beach is even more secluded.
Is Tung Thu Beach good for children?
Yes. Tung Thu has soft white sand and very gentle waves, making it one of the safest choices for families with young kids.
How do I get to Three Peaches (Ba Trai Dao) and Van Boi Beach?
Both are only reachable by boat inside Lan Ha Bay, most easily on a guided Lan Ha Bay tour that includes swimming and kayaking stops.
How much does the electric car cost between Cat Co beaches?
Expect to pay around 10,000 to 15,000 VND per short trip from Cat Ba town to the Cat Co beaches.
Ready to see these beaches for yourself? Explore Beka Travel's Lan Ha Bay tours or browse the full Cat Ba Island Travel Guide to start planning. For more local guides, visit bekatravel.com.
